Pop Picks or Best HDMI AV Proc under $1500...

There are no other prepros under $1500 and the Onkyo/Integras are creeping up in price. Along with the Emotiva, there is also a promised one from Outlaw.

Kal

Thanks Kal

Still operating under the assumption the dedicated, if not uber expensive, processor is a higher performing device than it's associated receiver brethren...

Would you say then, ‘Among that lot it is a 'pick em' situation as there is no clear cut winner?’ Possibly making tangible support and their particular 'bells & whistles' listings more pertinent to given preffs or needs, and the tact better taken here?

Or must one move upwards substantially to gain overall better performance over that of a likewise outfitted receiver which is being used solely as a processor?

My thinking as I alluded too is or was, a dedicated AV processor outfitted on par with it’s receiver cousin, should be the higher performer of that pair.

I suppose a better question, if so, might be, “OK, by how much?”

Marginally? Noticeably? Night and day? The latter assessment would give me enough motivation to secure one and sell my reciever. I simply can not justify busting that move for just a couple ‘perhaps’ benefits they provide over what is already paid for and on hand. Namely HDMI OSD info during playback, and Audacy functionality with an outboard amp.

Others in the $1500 give or take price range, new or used, are the Anthems of course, but now the sister co of Denon, Marantz has a nice unit that can be had for around 1700.00 new, and Parasound too has a substantial offering. The Marantz supports local networking file playback too.

so it seems there are more than just a couple processors to consider in the $1500 or so, neighborhood.

I don't think the Parasound has HDMI 1.3A though.